Current Home

Yumi Heo is an award-winning children's books author and illustrator with more than thirty books in publication. The Lonely Lioness and the Ostritch Chicks was chosen as one of the 10 Best Illustrated Children’s Books by The New York Times. Ms. Heo was invited to speak at America’s Millennium on the Mall, sponsored by the White House and the Smithsonian Institution. She has also presented for the International Reading Association Conference and the American Library Association Conference. A permanent installation of 30 faceted glass panels designed by Yumi Heo was commissioned by the MTA of New York City in 1996 as part of a major renovation of the #7 line in Long Island City, NY. She lives near New York City with her family. Visit www.yumiheo.com.

Program Description

Ribbit, Ribbit! Gaegul, Gaegul!
Grades K–2 (45 minutes)
Children will enjoy a very interactive introduction to Korean Culture as they listen to the reading of The Green Frogs in both English and Korean. The letter forms and sounds of the Korean alphabet and Korea’s geographical location on the globe will be presented. Children will be encouraged to share words and experiences that reflect their cultural heritage.

Sometimes We All Are Bombaloo!
Grades K–2 (45 minutes)
In this very special presentation, Yumi Heo thoughtfully approaches the subject of social and emotional development and well being. She will read the book Sometimes I’m Bombaloo and lead a discussion about all aspects of feeling angry and the appropriate ways that different situations might be handled. She will also talk about what makes Kaite, the main character in the book, happy and will follow with asking the children what makes them happy. The children will draw two faces, one happy and one angry, and will have the opportunity to verbally express their feeling with regard to both.

How to Fold a Shirt!
Grades 3–5 (45 minutes)
This session starts with the reading of Lady Hahn and Her Seven Friends, a story that emphasizes the importance of cooperation and teamwork and underscores the role of individual responsibility. The differences between expository and fiction writing will be discussed. The class will be led in an origami activity that includes creating traditional Korean dress.

Conferences and Festivals

Write Me a Picture, Draw Me a Story!
(1 hour)
In this multi session workshop, Yumi Heo discusses all aspects of the children’s book, from story concepts, developing a story, reference gathering, thumbnail sketches, through finished art. Creating and presenting a dummy book will also be covered.

Stories from Rice Paddies
(1 hour)
With a slide presentation, Yumi Heo talks about how her childhood influences her art and how she came to New York to become an author and Illustrator of children’s books. Her process from thumbnail sketches to finished art will be discussed as well.

Virtual Visits

Yumi is happy to drop in a for a 20-minute virtual visit and Q&A with book groups and library groups that have read at least one of her books using Skype or IChat.

A/V Tech

Large drawing pad with easel, markers, digital projector, microphone. She will bring her computer.